The man who was home when a Monday morning fire broke out in Bath told police he was cleaning his motorcycle engine when the fire started, according to Colonial Regional police Chief Roy Seiple.

Seiple said John Briele, 43, suffered burns after he claims the motorcycle engine exploded after his basement filled with fumes from the materials he was using to clean it in the basement at
128 S. Chestnut St. about 9 a.m. Monday. Seiple said Briele was taken
to Lehigh Valley Hospital for treatment.

Two adults and six children were displaced by the fire, which took crews several hours to extinguish. Seiple said efforts were complicated by power lines and a gas line that led into the property, forcing authorities to evacuate nearby buildings.

At least seven other fire stations assisted, according to the police chief.

"They did a hell of a job. It was tight spot to fight a fire," Seiple said.

The single-family home, listed in Northampton County property records as being owned by Sharon Piescienski, was sandwiched between another property and the old Bath hotel, which now houses apartments and the Red Wolf Inn.

"They would have it knocked down and then it would start up again," Seiple said of the stubborn blaze. "They needed the help."

Multiple messages left at the Bathvolunteer fire department for more information have not been returned.